The government is encouraging rural people to uplift their locally made products as part of its export product diversification.
With the program ‘One Village, One Product’, its main aim is to reduce dependency on specific goods while adding new products to its export basket. This is likely to bring new enthusiasm among the rural people to work with new inspiration as a good number of products are on the verge of extinction.
An official of the concerned ministry while talking to this correspondent had informed that several branches of the ministry have started working on this project to increase the scope of export products. Those concerned will work in the production and promotion of specific or known products in the districts and upazilas of the country.
In recent times, while announcing handicrafts as the product of the year, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that we will market what our grassroots people produced. Hence, the Export Branch and Export Development Bureau (EPB) have already started the action plan.
Commerce ministry Additional Secretary (Export) Mohammad Navid Safiullah while talking to Bangladesh Post said, “Recently, we have had a meeting on this issue. As per decision, we will now collect data from grassroots level, and based on data we will make our future plan.”
He said, “In Bangladesh, each district boasts unique characteristic products produced in remote villages. However, due to limited local marketing and awareness, many remain unknown and undervalued.”
“The ‘One Village, One Product’ program aims to elevate these goods to the national stage with government support from the Ministry of Commerce, potentially leading to export opportunities and increased recognition both locally and internationally,” he added.
According to entrepreneurs, it is possible to export locally produced products outside the country if they are properly displayed and marketed. It will benefit the local industry. Employment will increase in local areas. The export basket of the country will be enriched as well as foreign income will increase too.
As women are largely involved with the handicrafts industries of the country, creating bigger scope for handicrafts will play a major role in creating employment for women significantly.
Recently, commerce minister Ahsanul Islam Titu said, “We possess a wealth of domestic products that, when combined, can yield a diverse array of high-demand goods for foreign markets. For instance, by blending jute with plastic, we can create enhanced products that will expand our export portfolio. This innovation opens up new avenues for our export policy, offering opportunities for growth and diversification in international trade.”
The ministry has plans to organize fairs at upazila, district, divisional level under ‘One Village, One Product’ program. The products showcased at these fairs will receive support from BSIC and SMEs, facilitating their entry into foreign markets while meeting local demand.
Various local products are abundant across the country, including Chattogram’s dry fish, Bagerhat’s shrimp and betel nuts, and Tangail’s sarees, among others. These items have both local demand and export potential. Products like them will be bought in front and necessary supports will be given to harness their potential.